Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned a court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and several other opposition parties. He described the ruling as a grave threat to Nigeria's democratic system and political pluralism.
Atiku Questions Appeal Court Order
In a statement issued on Monday, June 15, by his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the decision raised serious concerns about the rule of law and the future of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. He noted that the judgment was particularly controversial because it was delivered despite a reported subsisting order of the Court of Appeal staying further proceedings in the case.
According to Atiku, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had on May 22 granted an application seeking to halt proceedings in the suit pending the determination of an appeal. He argued that any action taken after the appellate court's order could undermine confidence in the judicial process and raise questions about adherence to established legal procedures.
"A stay of proceedings means every further step in the matter should be suspended pending the outcome of the appeal," the statement said. The former vice president maintained that the ruling went beyond a dispute involving political parties and touched on broader issues concerning constitutional governance and legal certainty.
Atiku Alleges Pressure on Opposition
The ADC presidential candidate said the judgment reflected what he described as a wider effort to weaken opposition parties before the next electoral cycle. Atiku accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of focusing on political rivals instead of addressing insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and rising living costs affecting Nigerians.
He claimed opposition parties were increasingly facing pressure from state institutions, warning that democratic competition could be undermined if alternative political platforms were weakened. The presidency has not publicly responded to Atiku's claims.
Atiku Calls for Vigilance
Despite the court ruling, Atiku urged ADC members and supporters not to lose faith in democratic processes. He said the party would continue to pursue legal and constitutional avenues to challenge the judgment and defend Nigeria's multi-party political system.
The former vice president also called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, media groups and citizens to remain vigilant in protecting democratic institutions. According to him, the struggle transcends partisan interests and concerns the preservation of democratic freedoms and voters' ability to choose among competing political alternatives.
ADC Deregistration: Battle Heads to the Courts
The controversy is expected to deepen legal and political debates surrounding the status of opposition parties as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections. Atiku insisted that no political actor could override constitutional provisions or extinguish the aspirations of Nigerians seeking political alternatives, adding that the ADC would continue its legal challenge against the ruling.
Earlier, Atiku's aide Paul Ibe accused President Tinubu of being behind the court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the ADC and others. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties over their failure to meet constitutional requirements. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the deregistration with immediate effect.
